Family pleads for kidney donor as teen’s health declines: ‘We need help’
If Thaddeus does not receive a kidney transplant within a couple of weeks, he will need to be put on dialysis, according to his doctors.
“It’s obviously been challenging for him,” DeMark said. “He’s dealing with it very well, but these are difficult situations we’re navigating.”
His parents describe Thaddeus as a smart, outgoing boy — a straight-A student who was recently awarded multiple scholarships for next year, when he will become a high-school freshman.
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Thaddeus is very athletic and enjoys playing soccer, golfing and fencing. He also plays piano and often volunteers in his community, including being an altar server and working with the local food pantry.
“He loves his family, and loves doing things with his family,” DeMark said. “He’s just a great kid.”
The boy’s remaining kidney is failing, and his family is asking the community to help find a life-saving donor. (Christa DeMark)
Thaddeus’ parents said they have not shared much about their son’s medical condition until now. “We wanted Thad to just be the bright, happy person that he is, so we’ve minimized it for years,” DeMark said.
But in the last couple of weeks, as their son’s condition has become more dire, they have started to speak out about their situation.
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“We never expected to have such an outpouring of people who cared or people trying to help — it’s been incredibly humbling,” DeMark said.
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“It has pushed us to rely on faith in a way that’s very palpable — we are just coming together as a family and taking each day as it comes,” she went on. “We are remaining hopeful because we know there’s a solution to this problem. We just need help.”
“The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up,” his mother said. “He is a great kid, a kind kid.” (Christa DeMark)
To be considered for the donation program, kidney donors must be 45 or younger, have a BMI under 30 and match Thaddeus’ O blood type.
For those who are considering becoming donors, DeMark emphasized that it entails a laparoscopic procedure with a “fairly quick” healing process that is covered by their insurance, not the donor’s.
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“The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up,” she added. “He is a great kid, a kind kid.”
Those interested in being considered as a donor can complete this Kidney Transplant Living Donor Questionnaire.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/family-pleads-kidney-donor-teens-health-declines-we-need-help